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I review the ‘VIP’ Harry Potter tour in the UK – it’s crowd-free and comes with free champagne
Plus, three other Harry Potter attractions to visit in the UK
EVER since the Warner Bros. Studio Tour opened in 2012, fans of the boy wizard have been flocking from all over the world to see the sets and the props.
The tour's popularity is both a blessing and a curse - with lengthy queues and large crowds becoming part of the experience.
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However, one new tour offers to give Harry Potter fans the time and the space to freely explore the attraction.
Earlier this year, tour operator International Friends launched their Semi-private evening experience at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter.
The tours operate every Friday evening, with guests arriving at the attraction at 6.15pm.
Tour groups are capped to a maximum of 50 people, giving guests the space to explore the Leavesden studio without the crowds.
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While guests are provided with a private coach transfer from London, I drove to the tour simply because it was easier for me - and my parking was hassle-free to organise with International Friends too.
Once I'd met up with my group, just outside the towering chess pieces, we moved into the entrance where we were greeted by a member of Warner Bros staff.
As the last tour group to enter into the attraction, we avoided all of the queues, which can keep visitors awaiting for at least 30 minutes at peak times.
Our small group was then given a private welcome talk before we were led into the Great Hall.
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Inside the Great Hall, I was given a glass of champagne (non-alcoholic options were also available) and made to feel like a VIP.
As I moved through the room, which was far less crowded than my previous visits, I was easily able to take photos next to some of my favourite sets from the film series.
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After enjoying an extended amount of time in the Great Hall, we went on to explore other parts of the behind-the-scenes experience, including the Gryffindor Common Room, Snape's Potions Classroom, Dumbledore's Office and many, many, more.
My niece and I had plenty of time - and more importantly space - to look at the sets and take photos alongside our favourite ones.
There were no lengthy queues for the green screens either, so my niece and I were able to live out our dreams of riding a quidditch broom - all without spending too much time waiting around.
As our visit coincided with the Magical Mischief event, we were even able to make Howlers (the terrifying letters with enchanted messages) too.
From posing for snaps next to the Hogwarts Express to creating a souvenir video battling a dementor on one of the train's carriages, our three-hour visit moved seamlessly thanks to the lack of crowds.
At points, we practically had the space to ourselves.
Even our pitstop for Butterbeer, the syrupy butterscotch juice, topped with liquid marshmallow, was devoid of all crowds.
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I would say we caught up with other visitors, who weren't part of the semi-private tour, as we posed for photos on Hagrid's flying motorcycle.
That being said, this was the only time we queued to take photos, so it wasn't a frustrating wait in the slightest.
Because the Warner Bros. Studio tour closes at 10pm, you'll start to hear announcements that the attraction will be closing from around 9pm.
Make sure you leave enough time to get through the entirety of the tour, without having to rush, and leave plenty of cash for souvenirs in the gift shop.
If you're travelling with young children, encourage them to save up their pocket money - as they'll definitely want to buy a sweet treat from Honeydukes.
Semi-private evening experience tickets cost £199 for a full-paying adult and £195 for a child aged between 5 to 15, with infants going free.
Tickets include entry into the tour, return coach transfers to London and a glass of champagne in the Great Hall.
While tickets don't come cheap, it's a magical experience for Harry Potter fans who want a crowd-free time at the ever-popular tour.
Tickets can be booked on the International Friends website, .
Other visitors on the semi-private tour have also praised their experience.
In an online review, one person wrote: "I can’t recommend this semi-private tour enough. As we came in after the last daytime tour, we practically had the place to ourselves."
Another added: "The semi-private tour of the Harry Potter studios was a fantastic experience.
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Three other Harry Potter attractions to visit in the UK
Harry Potter fans are spoilt for choice in the UK, with plenty of different attractions to visit across the UK.
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was filmed at Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire in Wales. While the film sets were dismantled years ago, Dobby's Grave can be found on a sand dune on the beach.
- Both Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets were Alnwick Castle. Set in Northumberland, entry tickets cost £20.50.
- Glenfinnan Viaduct is well-known for being part of the journey on the Hogwarts Express. While the magical train ride has been indefinitely paused over safety concerns, fans can still visit the famous viaduct.
"With a much smaller group size than normal, we could explore the sets, props, and costumes at our own pace without feeling rushed or crowded."
Meanwhile, here are the top 10 Harry Potter filming locations you can visit in the UK.
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